Riverside Education Centers (REC), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting K-12 students through academic and enrichment programs, has been awarded funding under Colorado House Bill 24-1331. The grant comes through the state’s Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant Program, which aims to enhance after-hours educational services across Colorado.
Kristen Lummis, REC’s Development Associate, emphasized the significance of this funding, noting that ongoing fundraising is essential for the organization’s operations. “As a nonprofit organization, fundraising is paramount to everything we do,” Lummis stated. “Having a three-year grant that provides some stability by offsetting a portion of that funding just allows REC to plan more for the future and be able to ensure our services are provided at the highest level.”
The OST Grant Program is designed to assist nonprofit organizations that offer after-school programming focused on academic enrichment, life skill development, workforce readiness, and safe learning environments for students outside regular school hours.
Riverside Education Centers Recognition of Impact in the Community
The team at REC applied for the grant shortly after the bill was passed in August 2024. News of their successful application brought a sense of affirmation and excitement to the staff. Crystal Garcia Becenti, Development Director at REC, expressed pride in the recognition of their efforts. “It’s validating that our work is making a difference in the community,” she said. “We are doing what we set out to do to support students academically, providing them with enrichment activities, and to know kiddos have opportunities and they get to explore amazing things.”
The OST Grant Program is supported by a $3.5 million allocation from Colorado’s General Fund to the state’s Department of Education. These funds are distributed to selected organizations across the state that demonstrate a strong commitment to extending learning beyond the classroom.
Looking Ahead to Future Growth
While Riverside Education Centers does not have immediate plans for program expansion, the new funding provides an opportunity to begin strategizing for growth and enhancement of existing offerings. The grant offers a level of financial security that will enable REC to focus more on program development and quality assurance.
“This is really a vote of confidence from the state government that education for students goes well beyond the school day and includes much more than just academics,” said Lummis. She also pointed out that REC is one of several organizations to receive the grant, highlighting the broader state-wide acknowledgment of the importance of after-school programs.
The recognition and funding from House Bill 24-1331 reinforce the critical role that organizations like Riverside Education Centers play in shaping well-rounded, engaged, and empowered students. With the support of this multi-year grant, REC is poised to continue delivering high-quality out-of-school programming to children and families in the region.
